Neurosurgeons successfully implant 3D printed skull

A 22-year-old woman from the Netherlands who suffers
from a chronic bone disorder -- which has increased the thickness
of her skull from 1.5cm to 5cm, causing reduced eyesight and severe
headaches -- has had the top section of her skull removed and
replaced with a 3D printed implant.

The operation was performed by a team of
neurosurgeons at the University Medical Centre Utrecht and the
university claims this is this first instance of a successful 3D
printed cranium that has not been rejected by the patient.

The operation, which took 23 hours, was led by Dr Bon
Verweij. The patient's skull was so thick, that had the operation
not been performed, serious brain damage or death may have occurred
in the near future.

"It was only a matter of time before critical brain
functions were compromised and she would die," said Dr
Verweij. Major surgery was inevitable, but prior to the 3D
printing technique, there was no ideal effective treatment.

The skull was made specifically for the patient using
an unspecified durable plastic. Since the operation, the patient
has gained her sight back entirely, is symptom-free and back to
work. It is not known whether the plastic will require replacing at
a later date or if it will last a lifetime.

The lead surgeon had previous experience with 3D
reconstructions of skulls, but such a large implant had never been
accomplished before. "It is almost impossible to see that
she's ever had surgery," said Dr Verweij in the university's official statement.

It is hoped this technique can also be used for
patients with other bone disorders or to repair severely damaged
skulls after an accident or tumour.

The operation was carried out three months ago, but
the hospital has only just released details of the surgery.
Wired.co.uk got in touch with the university and will publish any
further details we recieve.